The University of Cape Town thrashed the Tshwane University of Technology 52-16 on Monday night to remain at the top of the Varsity Cup log.

Winger Matthew Turner scored a hat-trick for UCT, having grabbed a double in their match against Pukke. Ikeys are now three points clear of arch-rivals Maties at the top of the log.

TUT coach Jimmy Watt said UCT could win the competition.

“They play a true student brand of rugby and they have adapted to the new laws.,” he said. “Their skills levels are very high. It doesn’t matter if it is a back or a forward, he can get his hands through the tackle and offload to a team-mate. They move the ball around and if you miss one tackle, you stand behind your own goal-line.”

In the day’s other match in Port Elizabeth, Pukke beat Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) 26-21 in difficult conditions.

Both teams capitalised on the other’s mistakes with the first three tries scored from turn-over ball.

Pukke winger Lolo Waqa dotted down twice, but it was outside centre Paul Bosch who stood out, playing a big role in his side’s first two tries.